Burgage Hall (former Congregational Chapel)
Chapel Alley, High Street, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1DW
The hidden location of this former chapel can be explained by it being outside the remit of the Church of England in the 16th and 17th centuries. Worship tended to be hidden out of sight, hence its situation, so close to the High Street, but hidden from the casual eye. After falling into disuse it was replaced in 1852 by this brick building which is relatively grand, testifying to the new-found respectability of non-conformity in a period of growing religious freedom. It was renovated in 1987 by the Civic Society for community use.
The light-filled building, with balconies at each end, is little changed and is a delightful space. For Heritage Open Days a special exhibition of Victorian costumes and other museum artefacts have been brought out of storage; find your relative in the 1851 Census, which will be on display; a DVD featuring the rebuilding of the Butcher Row House will be shown; there will be further exhibits highlighting The Pozzie (jam factory) and the Canal Trust will display material relating to the canal in Ledbury.
Chapel Alley, High Street, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1DW
The hall is on the ground floor and fully accessible from the High Street. Butcher Row Museum can also be accessed from here, avoiding the cobbled lane.
There is a delightful south facing courtyard at the entrance to the hall. Visitors can access Butcher Row House Museum through the hall.